Prolific offender banned from town centre

A prolific offender has been banned from Stanley town centre.

Callum Ansell appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court last week where he was issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order.

The 20-year-old of Stanley admitted an attempted theft, two counts of assaulting a police officer and one charge of common assault.

He had previously pleaded guilty to six counts of theft from several shops in Stanley.

He was sentenced to a total 18 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months.

The Criminal Behaviour Order means Ansell cannot enter High Street, Front Street, Thornleyholme Terrace, Clifford Road Retail Park, Ritson Street, Mary Street, Towneley Court, Tyne Road, Spen Street, Smailes Street, and Park Road for the next two years.

Sergeant Aaron McKean, of Stanley Neighbourhood Team, said: “Ansell is a prolific offender who has been causing significant problems for serval businesses in the town centre.

“The order is in place until 2028 and I hope this sends out a clear message to similar offenders that we will not stand for this behaviour in Stanley.

“Criminal behaviour orders are just one of the tools we’re implementing to make our town safer.

“Anyone who continues to continue to commit ASB will be brought before the courts and dealt with.”